Issues | Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

Economic Development
- Represenative Ortiz passed legislation to allow Corpus Christi to tap into special events funds, in order to bring national events like the Texas International Boat Show and more tourists to the city.
- Representative Ortiz worked to increase the number of Texas Enterprise Zone slots awarded to Corpus Christi, to spur economic development in the city.
- Representative Ortiz filed two bills to make sure the Coastal Bend gets its fair share of awards from the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund.
Energy & The Environment
- Representative Ortiz was a co-author of House Bill 12, which helped our neglected state and local parks and voted for $140 million in State Parks funding
- Representative Ortiz supported clean air legislation to reduce toxic emissions from automobiles, increase energy efficiency at state agencies, and promote solar power
- Representative Ortiz passed legislation to allow homeowners & small businesses with small scale renewable energy systems to recevie credit for the the electricity they generate
- Representative Ortiz successfully fought legislation that would have threatened local beaches.
- Working with other legislations, Representative Ortiz helped pass legislation to allow Corpus Christi to use hotel-motel tax revenue to clean up local beaches.
- For engergy saving tips and information on electric choice, visit our links page.
Windstorm Insurance
- Rep. Ortiz believes that insurance rate increases will do little to solve the financial difficulties faced by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) and only harm consumers. Coastal Texas is critical to the state's economy and all Texans have an interest in protecting the coast. Rep. Ortiz is continuing to work toward finding a solution that will make sure the Coastal Bend and all of Texas are prepared in the event of a major hurricane. For suggestions for Windstorm Insurance policyholders, click here.
Higher Education
- Representative Ortiz is fighting hard for the expansion of programs and opportunities for students at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, including a new engineering program.
- Representative Ortiz sponsored important legislation to create a student endowment fund to ensure future generations of TAMUCC students have access to scholarships. TAMUCC students overwhelmingly voted to support the fund.
- Representative Ortiz voted to increase funding for TEXAS grants.
- When Governor Rick Perry vetoed $154 million for community colleges, Representative Ortiz spoke out and worked with state leaders to restore the funding.
Public Education (K-12)
- Representative Ortiz supports our public schools and supports raising teacher salaries.
- Representative Ortiz supported additional benefits for our retired teachers.
- Representative Ortiz joint-authored a bill to expand the statewide textbook credit program to make sure students have access to the best educational materials.
Public Health
- Representative Ortiz filed legislation to restore funding to the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which was severely cut in 2003.
- Representative Ortiz co-authored the bill and voted to send a proposal to the voters to fund $3 billion in cancer research. The proposal was overwhelmingly approved in November 2007.
- The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation honored Representative Ortiz for work during the session. Ortiz fought for programs to prevent the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases.
Public Safety
- Representative Ortiz supported the Jennifer Cave Act to increase the punishment for a terrible crime.
- Representative Ortiz voted for "Jessica's Law", which cracks down on sexual predators.
- Helped author legislation to make sure port police officers are equipped to keep the port safe from all variety of threats.
- Supported legislation to increase border security funding and stop human trafficking